Kevin Gates "Why I" Lyrics & Analysis: Get The Full Story!
Can a single song truly encapsulate the weight of experience, the sting of betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of self-understanding? The answer, in the case of Kevin Gates' "Why I," is a resounding yes, painting a vivid portrait of resilience amidst adversity, echoing the struggles of many through the language of raw, unfiltered emotion.
The track, a standout from Gates' 2017 album "By Any Means 2," plunges listeners into a world where the personal and the universal collide. Its a space where the artist bares his soul, dissecting the wounds inflicted by life's trials and tribulations. "I'm so nervous come on, we gon' be late!" the introductory lines, spoken with a palpable sense of urgency, immediately sets the stage. This opening is more than just an aside; its an invitation, a signal to the listener that they are about to embark on a journey through the artist's innermost thoughts and feelings. "This my first time ever doin' somethin' on this type of scale here goes nothin' ladies and gentlemen, people in the back, people in the front watch my shoes and try not to knock over my cup and no you can't hit my blunt slim chick, fat chick, boy and that girl everybody out," the raw honesty of these words, delivered with a blend of vulnerability and defiance, further draws the listener into the narrative.
The song's core lies in its chorus, a poignant reflection on the emotional toll of hardship: "[chorus] been abused, it gets hard to smile been betrayed once again, it happens all the time heart bigger than your body, love be hard to find friendships got tainted, i". These lines are not just lyrics; they're a confession, a testament to the difficulty of maintaining hope when confronted with repeated disappointments. The line "heart bigger than your body" is particularly evocative, capturing the essence of someone who feels deeply, who loves fiercely, and who struggles to reconcile these emotions with the pain they've experienced.
The songs raw power is further amplified by its accompanying visuals. "Watch official video, print or download text in pdf," is a testament to the song's impact. The visual elements are just as direct, reflecting the emotional state expressed through the music. The video, a direct channel of emotion, creates a complete and immersive experience for the listener.
The question "Why do you say, fuck me?" repeatedly asked throughout the song, echoes the frustration and confusion that often accompany betrayal. It speaks to the complex emotions that arise when trust is broken, and when the boundaries of relationships are violated. It speaks to the core of the human condition: the longing for connection, and the pain of rejection.
The songs structure is more than a random compilation of words, its a deeply personal exploration. The introspective approach, as heard in "[intro] fun fact about kevin gates for those of you that's just tuning in i talk to myself, all geniuses talk to they self i know i done said a lot of this before but, letter to self you really," which offers a window into Gates's creative process. It reveals the artist's need for self-reflection and the necessity of self-dialogue when navigating the complexities of life. In the same vein, "Why i lyrics by kevin gates & kevin gates | intro how do i look?" is more than just a query; it is an acknowledgment of the need for self-awareness and a hint of the deep vulnerability within the music.
The production of the track includes "Yung lan on the track i've been retarded breadwinner i ain't lost my touch disgruntled nature, i've been labeled, i don't trust nobody behind the shell i had got shot, my nigga tried to rob me," which builds to its impact. These lines, alongside others, creates a sense of an environment, that is far from perfect, filled with its own dangers, and its own form of chaos. The artist's story is one of survival, which includes trials, and tribulations.
The song also deals with the universal feeling of anxiety, as seen in "I'm so nervous come on, we gon' be late!" This constant acknowledgement of being nervous, shows the vulnerability in such an unfiltered display of emotion. There are no false claims or pretenses, the honesty is truly what makes the piece so resonant.
Throughout the song, Gates offers a reflection that many can identify with: "Been abused, it gets hard to smile been betrayed once again, it happens all the time heart bigger than your body, love be hard to find friendships got tainted, i remained". The resilience in the face of adversity, the recognition of the lasting effects of suffering, and the struggle to maintain ones integrity amid challenging circumstances, creates a universal story.
The album "Why i is a english song from the album by any means 2" provides context, by establishing a thematic understanding of the artists work. In the song, "What is the duration of why i? The duration of the song why i is 3:32," which is the kind of specific details that enriches the listeners understanding, while not overwhelming the narrative.
The phrase, "[intro] no matter what, ain't no cryin' you don't gotta tell me it hurt i know it hurt no cryin' to lose somebody you really love and they not dead suck it up and roll but you dead to me yeah," serves to deepen the narrative, and offers us the importance of the subject. These lines serve to showcase the narrative of those who struggle, and offer up the idea that no one is alone in these battles. The artist's directness shows the idea of the music, which is meant to provide some comfort, and show that people are not alone in their struggles.
Gates' music is not just about the artist's experiences; its an invitation to examine the intricacies of the human heart, to feel, and to connect. The line "[intro] somethin' special say, you better know that you that nigga and you somethin' special i don't give a fuck what or how it look around, you better know you somethin' special ha, ayy don't let," represents a message of self-worth, and of the importance of recognizing ones own value. Its a powerful reminder of the need to protect oneself, and to stand firm even when facing adversity.
The inclusion of "Watch my shoes and try not to knock over my cup and no you can't hit my blunt slim chick, fat chick, boy and that girl everybody out in the whole wide world i wanna give y'all my brother, my dear brother, the honorable kevin gates been abused, it gets hard to smile been betrayed once again, it happens all the time heart bigger than your body," further deepens the emotion, while showcasing the narrative of those who have been through tough experiences. Its a call to understanding, and a message to not be afraid to share our pain.
The repeated phrase, "Ignorin' all phone calls (no negativity, i cannot see it) straight up, why are you so concerned that i'm here?" is also a powerful example of the artist's directness, as it captures the essence of his feelings, and showcases the importance of setting boundaries. This further elevates the emotional core, showcasing the raw emotionalism of the song.
The essence of the song, "Straight up, why are you so concerned that i'm here?" reflects the struggle, and showcases his journey of self-discovery. His ability to create such honesty, is what elevates the track and its meaning. The message is, be true to yourself, and do not fear judgement. The line "upgraded my life, on a whole 'nother level got some new ice, this a whole 'nother bezel exotic car drivin', i'm pressin' the," captures the essence of survival, and the importance of self-preservation, creating a sense of triumph that resonates with those who have persevered through hardship.
Ultimately, "Why I" is a song that transcends simple storytelling. It provides an opportunity to reflect and is something that will continue to resonate, as long as there is pain, betrayal, and the unwavering human spirit.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Jerome Gilyard |
| Stage Name | Kevin Gates |
| Born | February 5, 1986 (age 38 years), New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop, Southern hip hop, Trap |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 2005present |
| Labels | Bread Winners' Association, Atlantic Records |
| Associated acts | OG Boobie Black, Webbie, Lil Durk, Kodak Black, YoungBoy Never Broke Again |
| Albums | Islah (2016), Stranger Than Fiction (2013), By Any Means (2014), Islah (2016), Khaza (2022), The Ceremony (2023) |
| Notable Songs | "2 Phones," "Thinkin With My Dick," "I'm Him," "Kno One," "Perfect Imperfection" |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Spouse | Dreka Gates (m. 2015) |
| Children | Isiah, Khaza, and a stepdaughter, Kelsie |
| Official Website | kvngates.com |
